A camera import should create a usable copy before it becomes a cleanup operation. If your goal is to collect selected images in an ordinary Mac folder, decide where the files will go and keep the device originals during the first verified transfer.

Create a clearly named destination folder and identify a small sample: an ordinary photo, a short video and, if present, a Live Photo. Avoid starting with the entire device while you are still learning which files the process creates.

Preserve originals during the import

Connect the camera, iPhone or iPad by cable, turn it on and complete any legitimate unlock or trust prompt. Select it in Image Capture. Inspect the Action controls: keep Keep originals selected, or leave Delete after import unselected, depending on the connected device. Apple says retaining downloaded originals is the default.

Select the sample items. Use Import To, choosing Other if necessary, to select the prepared folder, then choose Download. Apple notes that a Live Photo arrives as two files: a still image and a video.

Reconcile items with the files produced

Open the destination folder and inspect the sample. Play the video as well as viewing the still. Keep the components of a Live Photo together; the extra video is not automatically an accidental duplicate to delete.

Compare the selected source items with what arrived. A file count larger than the selected item count can be explained by paired components, while a matching count alone cannot prove that every intended image is usable.

After the sample succeeds, import the remaining intended items in manageable groups. If a transfer stops, identify the incomplete group before retrying so that repeated downloads are not confused with unique photographs.

Confirm the originals remain on the device and protect the Mac copy with your normal backup process. Decide any later device cleanup separately, once you know which files were copied and can open them. If source images are missing or the camera reports storage errors, preserve the device as it is and investigate before importing repeatedly.

References: Apple: Image Capture importing and original retention.